Speed Of Light Slowed Down In Recent Research Results

Researchers from the University of Glasgow and Heriot-Watt University managed to slow photons in free space for the first time – suggesting the speed of light is even more complex than we imagined.

They demonstrated that applying a ‘mask’ to an optical beam, which changed the shape of photons, can reduce their speed.

The team’s experiment was configured like a time trial race, with two photons released simultaneously across identical distances towards a defined finish line.

The researchers found that one photon reached the finish line as predicted, but the structured photon which had been reshaped by the mask arrived later, meaning it was travelling more slowly in free space.

See the full paper below via arxiv.org.

Click to access 1411.3987.pdf

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